NISSAN PRIMERA (1994)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 34 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the NISSAN brand average of 81%.
At 32 years old, 76% of NISSAN PRIMERAs from 1994 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 34 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 71,893 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
71,893
Average miles
236,800
Expected for age
The average 1994 NISSAN PRIMERA has 71,893 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1995 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 59%. The 1994 sits between the two at 76%.
NISSAN PRIMERA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 71% | 876 | 93,864 mi | |
| 2005 | 70% | 1,346 | 96,366 mi | |
| 2004 | 73% | 884 | 101,219 mi | |
| 2003 | 71% | 778 | 97,457 mi | |
| 2002 | 69% | 573 | 93,604 mi | |
| 2001 | 71% | 266 | 86,445 mi | |
| 2000 | 63% | 153 | 91,010 mi | |
| 1999 | 72% | 614 | 94,917 mi | |
| 1998 | 75% | 661 | 98,694 mi | |
| 1997 | 74% | 413 | 95,198 mi | |
| 1996 | 74% | 119 | 102,610 mi | |
| 1995 | 78% | 54 | 86,506 mi | |
| 1994 | 76% | 34 | 71,893 mi | |
| 1993 | 59% | 56 | 98,848 mi | |
| 1992 | 70% | 40 | 86,859 mi | |
| 1991 | 78% | 36 | 84,924 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1994 NISSAN PRIMERA
The 1994 NISSAN PRIMERA is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 34 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1994, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 71,893 miles at 32 years old, NISSAN PRIMERA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1994 NISSAN PRIMERA Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1994 NISSAN PRIMERA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
NISSAN PRIMERA Reliability Trend
The NISSAN PRIMERA has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1994 NISSAN PRIMERA
At 32 years old, the NISSAN PRIMERA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 78%. Note: with only 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1994 NISSAN PRIMERA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 32 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1994 NISSAN PRIMERA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NISSAN PRIMERA(1994) | 76% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996) | 67% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2597+£400 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1996) | 76% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1996) | 82% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£330 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1996) | 74% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£180 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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